South Korea’s Asiana Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A380, becoming the eleventh operator of the type in the world. The A380 was handed over during a special ceremony today in Toulouse, France.

Airbus and Asiana Airlines are marking the next chapter in their nearly two-decade relationship with today’s delivery of the South Korea-based carrier’s first double-deck A380 jetliner.
“This is a very historic moment for Asiana Airlines, which is an important customer for Airbus’ entire modern product line: from A320 single-aisle aircraft to the A330/340 and A350 XWB widebody families and the 21st century flagship A380,” said Koji Nakau, Airbus’ Senior Sales Director for Asia.
Following its first-ever Airbus order in 1996, Asiana Airlines introduced its first Airbus aircraft – an A321 – in 1998. Since that time, Airbus has continued to deliver the popular single-aisle family to this carrier, which now operates 35 A320 Family jetliners: 25 A321s, and 10 A320s.
In addition, Asiana Airlines has grown into a key Airbus widebody customer, with 15 A330-300 jetliners currently in service. Further highlighting Airbus’ widebody leadership, Asiana Airlines also has ordered 30 next-generation A350 XWB jetliners – covering the three available variants: -800, -900 and -1000 – along with its six A380 aircraft.
“With Airbus’ modern fuel-efficient aircraft, this long-lasting partnership is positioned for the future,” Nakau explained. “The A380 jetliner will become the flagship for Asiana Airlines’ fleet and open up new opportunities on major routes.”